Birmingham, Ala. - On a night when General Manager Theodore Long announced that next Friday World Heavyweight Champion Undertaker and Batista would face off in a Steel Cage Match, both The Phenom and The Animal had stern messages for each other. When these two behemoths collide in Pittsburgh on Friday, the Steel City will never be the same – and neither will either competitor.

Following the announcement, a wounded Batista told the World Heavyweight Champion, “at Backlash, we pushed each other to the limit. Then we went past the limit. Nothing is resolved.” He continued, “is the World Heavyweight Championship worth all this destruction? Hell yes.” The Animal then had a promise for Undertaker, saying, “next week, in a 15-foot high cage, I will win back my title.”

The Deadman had a message of his own for his challenger, telling Batista, “I took your soul at Backlash. I took your health.” Undertaker then assured him, “next Friday when you step into the demon’s playground, you will rest in peace.”

Speaking of the World Heavyweight Championship, after announcing on Raw that he would cash in his championship opportunity at WrestleMania 24, Mr. Kennedy was on SmackDown in one-on-one action against Matt Hardy. Mr. Money in the Bank and Hardy are both looking to vault themselves into the upper echelon of SmackDown, and on this night, Hardy was able to get the victory over Kennedy in one of the highlight matches of the year for Friday Night SmackDown.

Despite the loss, Kennedy has 331 days until he claims he will take his opportunity at a world champion at WrestleMania 24, but Mr. Money in the Bank could always cash it in at any time.

Montel Vontavious Porter went up against Kane in a No. 1 Contenders Match for the right to face United States Champion Chris Benoit. The Big Red Monster was in full control and looked to become the man to face the Rabid Wolverine, but William Regal & Dave Taylor interfered. Regal & Taylor earlier in the night attacked Boogeyman & Little Boogeyman, but Kane made his way out, chasing off the dangerous duo of Regal & Taylor. The two would get their revenge when they cost Kane the match against MVP, as Regal nailed Kane with brass knuckles. MVP delivered the Playmaker for the victory and earned yet another opportunity at U.S. gold.

A former champion looking to regain his gold is Brian Kendrick. He took on one-half of the WWE Tag Team Champions, Domino. Kendrick is still waiting for his partner Paul London to regain full health so the two can pursue the tag titles again, while Deuce & Domino are looking to “crack em’ in da mouth” before they have the chance. Last week, Kendrick lost to Domino’s partner, Deuce, and this week, the young high-flyer gutted out the victory.

Anticipating the need for some time off to spend with his girl Kristal, General Manager Theodore Long has begun the interview process for his assistant. On SmackDown, “American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, Sgt. Slaughter, Brooklyn Brawler, and even Miz were lined up in hopes of landing the job.

Another video featuring Mark Henry aired, and The World’s Strongest Man has vowed to continue the path of destruction he was on before his injury. Henry then told our fans and all of SmackDown, “there is nothing you can do about it.”

The Miz took on Finlay, but became increasingly frustrated when Hornswoggle intervened on numerous occasions. Hornswoggle poked Miz in the eyes, teed off with the shillelagh, and then pulled Miz under the ring, much to the delight of Finlay. Miz escaped from under the ring and left the arena in frustration, losing the match to the Irishman by count-out. Also, Jimmy Wang Yang defeated Gregory Helms in singles action.